Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.  It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

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Name of product: Tassimo espresso T Discs

Units: About 2.1 million packages in the United States and an additional 1.9 million in Canada

Manufacturer: Kraft Foods Global Inc., of Northfield, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled espresso T Discs can become clogged and spray hot liquid and coffee grounds onto consumers and bystanders during or after brewing, posing a burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 21 reports of incidents of hot liquid and/or coffee grounds spraying onto consumers and bystanders, including four reports of second-degree burn injuries. One injury involved 2-year-old girl from Canada who received second-degree burns to her face.

Description: This recall involves Gevalia, Maxwell House and Nabob brand espresso

T Discs. The T Discs are plastic discs filled with coffee that are inserted into Tassimo coffee makers to brew single cups of hot espresso drinks. They were sold in packages of eight or 16 espresso T Discs. T Discs with codes ending with 11213 through 12020 are included in this recall. The code is printed on the T Disc's foil lid and on the side of the package.

No other T Discs are included in this recall.

Sold by: Department, mass merchandise, home improvement and other stores nationwide and on various websites, including www.tassimodirect.com, from August 2011 through February 2012 for between $8 and $11 per package.

Manufactured in: United StatesRemedy:  Consumers should stop using the recalled espresso T Discs immediately and contact the firm for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit www.tassimodirect.com/safetyrecall or call the firm toll-free at (866) 918-8763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday.  

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1541.

Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12107.html

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 918-8763 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Chesapeake Appalachia LLC a total of $565,000 in civil penalties and reimbursement costs for erosion and sediment control violations, wetland encroachment violations and an April 2011 well control incident.

"The governor and I expect the highest standards to be met and when they are not, we take strong enforcement action," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "We will continue to be vigilant on that front. The protection of the state's water is paramount."

West Branch Township, Potter County

DEP fined Chesapeake $215,000 for a March 2011 incident in West Branch Township, Potter County, where sediment discharged into a stream classified as high quality. High-quality streams receive some of the highest levels of protection in the state, and operators are expected to ensure their work does not negatively affect them.

In late February and early March, heavy rain caused significant erosion to an access road and Chesapeake's Beech Flats gas well pad, both of which lacked sufficient controls in place to prevent the run-off. As a result, significant amounts of sediment entered the Right Branch of Wetmore Run, a high-quality stream.   

An inspection found that accelerated erosion had occurred at several spots on the access road and the well pad because the operator failed to construct adequate controls to prevent the run-off of sediment.

The sediment traveled downstream and impacted Galeton Borough Authority's water treatment filters. Chesapeake has since paid $190,000 to the authority to repair and upgrade the water supply facility and has made assurances it will reimburse the authority any additional costs associated with this incident.

DEP issued a compliance order that required Chesapeake to cease all activity at the site that would disturb earth, such as road maintenance and grading; movement of rock, soil or earth; and activity associated with gas drilling and extraction. Chesapeake was also ordered to implement additional measures designed to lessen environmental impact and submit a revised erosion and sediment control plan.

Soon after that, the company installed silt fences, silt socks, gravel surfacing of the access road and a stormwater capture ditch, and it submitted the revised plan.

Follow-up inspections determined that the violations were corrected. The authority thanked DEP for taking immediate action.

Leroy Township, Bradford County

In addition, Chesapeake paid $190,000 as part of a consent order and agreement after the operator lost control of a well head during hydraulic fracturing of the Atgas 2H Well in Leroy Township, Bradford County, on April 19, 2011. Fluids from the well mixed with rainwater and entered a nearby unnamed tributary to Towanda Creek and Towanda Creek itself.

On April 20, DEP detected levels of total dissolved solids, chlorides and barium that were higher than background levels at the mouth of the tributary, where it enters Towanda Creek. Subsequent testing further downstream and on the following days showed these levels returned to normal background levels. 

Chesapeake took two days to stop the flow from the well and four days beyond that to bring the well fully under control. At DEP's request, Chesapeake suspended completion activities at well sites across the state for approximately three weeks while assessing its equipment's integrity, containment mechanisms and procedures.

Chesapeake's payment includes a $67,000 reimbursement for costs associated with the agency's response. The company must also conduct further testing, using an independent laboratory, of five groundwater monitoring wells from the surrounding area to ensure there were no impacts to groundwater from the release. Samples of the five monitoring wells taken in July, August and October 2011 showed levels consistent with regional groundwater quality.

North Towanda Township, Bradford County

In connection with a third site, DEP fined Chesapeake $160,000 as part of a consent order and agreement resulting from violations in 2010 of impacting a wetland and allowing sediment to enter Sugar Creek in North Towanda Township, Bradford County. Part of a well pad was built in the wetland. It was constructed with extremely high, steep slopes which, after significant precipitation, caused additional sediment to slide further into the wetland and the nearby stream. 

A series of site inspections in July 2010 found that the well pad had been constructed partially in a wetland and the construction activities deviated from the site's erosion and sediment control plan, rendering the site vulnerable to erosion. DEP issued a notice of violation for encroaching on wetlands without a permit and failing to implement best management practices. A follow-up meeting also directed Chesapeake to develop a remediation plan.

By constructing the well pad in that way, the company filled a third of an acre of wetlands without authorization. There were additional temporary impacts to the wetland through erosion and tree clearing and in October 2010, heavy rains caused the middle portion of the pad's fill slope to fail and sediment to enter Sugar Creek and an unnamed tributary, as well as further impact the nearby forested wetland.  

In addition to paying the penalty, the company has removed the fill from the impacted wetland and must construct 2.55 acres of replacement wetlands. The company is also required to submit regular, detailed wetlands restoration monitoring reports.

Chesapeake's actions constituted violations of the Oil and Gas Act, Clean Streams Law and the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act.

To view all the documents, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click on "Regional Resources," then "North-central Region" and "Community Information."

Media contact: Kevin Sunday, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EyePromise launched a new website for AMD Awareness Month to enhance education of the role of nutrition in managing AMD risk.  

Directed toward consumers and EyeCare Professionals, AMDAwarenessMonth.com allows visitors to learn about Age-Related Macular Degeneration, receive a free AMD Awareness Kit that includes a patient education guide, the latest scientific research, product samples, and the chance to win a variety of prizes including gift cards, free products, and more.

Chris Barber, President of ZeaVision, the parent company of EyePromise, explains, "For our company, every month is AMD Awareness Month. For more than two decades, ZeaVision researchers have worked diligently to sponsor and conduct research, develop innovative products, and drive awareness of the very important role nutritional ingredients such as dietary Zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and others play in maintaining healthy vision." 

A recent landmark clinical study demonstrates patients with a genetic risk for AMD significantly reduced their risk (approximately 40%) through consumption of food sources containing dietary Zeaxanthin, lutein, zinc, and Omega 3's.[1] Another recent clinical study demonstrated that daily supplementation of 8 mgs of dietary Zeaxanthin over 12 months significantly enhanced vision in elderly subjects with early AMD.[2]  

About EyePromise

With more than 25 million doses consumed, EyePromise Restore is specifically formulated to support healthy vision with the highest available level of dietary Zeaxanthin (8mgs), the protective pigment eyes need most. EyePromise eye vitamins are evidence-based, doctor recommended, and made in the USA from the highest quality ingredients. All EyePromise products carry a 60-day money-back guarantee.

About AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects millions of people every year and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 50, according to the American Optometric Association. AMD affects the central portion of the macula - the part of the retina responsible for central vision. The disease is growing at an alarming rate, and education is the first step in fighting AMD. Everyone is encouraged to learn more at amdawarenessmonth.com. 

About ZeaVision

ZeaVision is Passionate About Prevention and develops products for EyeCare Professionals and patients for managing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) risk factors to maintain healthy vision. Its founders have conducted nearly 20 years of research and development and hold patents on Zeaxanthin, a natural antioxidant derived from paprika peppers and shown to increase macular pigment levels. The company also offers a state-of-the-art testing device as part of its Eye-Q Intelligent AMD Risk Management program. The measurement device, QuantifEye®, measures macular pigment optical density and allows EyeCare Professionals to measure, manage, monitor, and maintain healthy macular pigment levels, an important AMD risk factor. For more information, please visit www.eyepromise.com, www.zeavision.com or call 866-833-2800.

Logos:http://www.ereleases.com/pic/AMD-Awareness-logo.png http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-EyePromise-logo.jpg

ZeaVision, EyePromise, QuantifEye, and Eye-Q are the respective logos and registered trademarks of ZeaVision, LLC. All other trademarks herein are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

[1] Lintje Ho et al. The Rotterdam Study; Reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration with dietary antioxidants, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Archives of Ophthalmology, June 2011.

[2] Richer et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function. The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF). Optometry, 2011 Nov; 82 (11) 667-680.

Contact:

Sarah Reed Marketing ManagerZeaVision314-628-1000sreed@zeavision.com

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE ZeaVision, LLC

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today that new and existing Massage Envy franchisees have exclusive access to $15 million in development capital in 2012.  The funding is available through a franchisee lending program agreement Massage Envy entered into with Franchise America Finance™ (FAF) and The Bancorp Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBBK). 

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With this funding through FAF and The Bancorp Bank, Massage Envy has access to a total of $15 million for both new franchisee development, as well as existing franchisee expansion. Last year, Massage Envy franchisees took advantage of more than $5 million in funding offered through the lending program.   

"We are very happy to report that we funded approximately $5 Million to Massage Envy franchisees in 2011, and have an additional $10 million in the funding process today.  There is a total of $25 million allocated for Massage Envy franchisees so far," said Ronald Feldman, CEO of FAF.  "Since the inception of its franchise lending program in April 2010, FAF has allocated more than $400 million for franchisee financing for member franchise systems. FAF and Massage Envy worked together to create the qualifications prospective franchisees must meet to gain access to this available capital."

Massage Envy experienced strong growth in 2011 with a 13 percent increase in new clinics, adding a total of 87 new locations.  Today, there are 750 Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa locations in 44 states, making it the largest system of franchised massage clinics in the industry.  The company also is the world's largest employer of licensed/registered massage therapists with more than 16,000 therapists providing over 250,000 massages every week to a total of more than 1 million members. 

"With financing so hard to access for many in this economic climate, Massage Envy is excited to be able to offer our current franchise partners, as well as incoming franchisees, access to funding that will enable them to either expand their business or purchase their first clinic," said Massage Envy CFO Greg Esgar.  "Massage Envy is one of only 30 franchises out of thousands to be selected for this national financing program and we are thrilled to extend this extraordinary opportunity to Massage Envy franchisees."

Over the next several years, Massage Envy is seeking to expand further across the country with Massage Envy Spa leading the way in these development goals.  To fuel this growth, the company is looking for specific franchisee candidates who have the ability and the desire to learn and follow a system that ensures value and customer satisfaction. Qualified franchisee candidates should have business sales or management experience, but do not necessarily need to have a massage therapy or spa operations background.  They also should possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $150,000. Massage Envy and Massage Envy Spa franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from approximately $343,000 to $568,000, including the franchisee fee.

"Part of ensuring Massage Envy continues its growth and expansion in markets across the U.S. includes offering access to strong, franchise-focused lending programs such as this," added Esgar. "In doing so, we will arm our franchisees with the tools and resources they need for long-term success."

Entrepreneurs interested in exploring franchising opportunities with Massage Envy Spa may contact Lori Merrall at (480) 366-4171 and lmerrall@massageenvy.com, or visit Massage Envy's franchising website at http://www.massageenvyfranchise.com/.

About Franchise America Finance

Franchise America Finance, LLC (FAF) was formed by a group of franchising professionals to address the void in the capital markets for franchising. FAF can provide senior and subordinated debt, mezzanine financing, and equity for franchisors and franchisees. Franchisors interested in participating in this program should contact: Ronald Feldman or Nate Greenberg at 610-668-9780 or visit www.franchiseamericafinance.com.

About The Bancorp, Inc.

The Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company that operates The Bancorp Bank, an FDIC-insured commercial bank that delivers a full array of financial services and products both directly and through private-label affinity programs nationwide. These programs enable members, employees and customers of Bancorp and its affinity clients to access customized online-banking services. To learn more, visit www.thebancorp.com.

The Government Guaranteed Lending division of The Bancorp Bank specializes in business loans and franchisee financing through programs available from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It focuses on government-guaranteed lending and has more than 50 years of combined experience in the field.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has 750 locations in 44 states.  In addition, the average unit volume for a Massage Envy is $1 million. The company was recently ranked #57 in Entrepreneur's 2012 Franchise 500 and #29 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings.  Massage Envy is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA). For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

SOURCE Massage Envy

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Peter Orszag, Vice Chairman of Global Banking for Citigroup, will address a large audience of Chicago business leaders at The Executives' Club of Chicago's February 15th Global Leaders Luncheon, presented in conjunction with the Club's Finance Committee.

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Dr. Orszag, who is also the former Director of both the Office of Management and Budget for the White House, and the Congressional Budget Office, is expected to discuss the effects of globalization, wages, consumer spending, and politics and their impact on business leaders and policy-makers around the world.

Orszag will also chart out the driving forces causing these major economic shifts and what they mean for corporate America.

The Financial Times U.S. Economics Editor, Robin Harding, will moderate the event.

Gold Sponsors of Wednesday's luncheon include Discover Financial Services, KPMG, SXC Health Solutions, Inc. and The Duchossois Group.

Also attending the program are business students from The Kellogg School at Northwestern, Roosevelt University, Loyola Graduate School of Business, Aurora University, and University of Illinois Chicago.

For more information or for tickets, contact visit http://centennial.executivesclub.org or call The Executives' Club at 312-263-3500.

Event details:  Wednesday, February 15th Presentation: 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. (Registration 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – The Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Gold Level, East Tower

About The Executives' Club of Chicago The Executives' Club of Chicago is a forum for business, civic, and academic leaders to exchange best practices.  Founded in 1911, the Club is one of the oldest and most respected business organizations in the Midwest. The Club serves the community by providing resources needed to establish effective global partnerships, enhance intellectual exchange, develop future diverse business leaders and promote Chicago as a world class business center.

About the Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee of The Executives' Club brings together senior-level executives from a variety of industries with financial expertise and responsibilities within their organizations.  As part of the Finance Committee's mission to advance Chicago's economic growth and develop the city as a global financial center, the Committee brings together business community leaders to discuss forward-looking finance and global market issues.  The Finance Committee is co-chaired by Mark Graf, CFO at Discover Financial Services, and John Naughton, Audit Partner, Consumer and Industrial Business at KPMG.

SOURCE The Executives' Club of Chicago